And Along Came a Spider (2003): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2003, And Along Came a Spider is a documentary film directed by Maziar Bahari, running about 118 minutes.

What it’s about. A shocking portrait of the world of a recently captured serial killer, who sees his killing of prostitutes as in accordance with Islamic teaching. Over the space of a year, 16 women were murdered in the Iranian city of Mashad. Because the victims were lured into the killer's traps, the press soon called these the "spider killings." All but one of the victims had previously been arrested for prostitution and drug-related crimes. When a 39-year-old contractor is arrested and confesses to the crimes, he claims divine support for his crimes. His mother, wife, son, and many neighbors agree. AND ALONG CAME A SPIDER visits with the families of the victims, with the perpetrator and his family, and with prostitutes in this holy city. Most chillingly, the killer's son proudly re-enacts a murder, and suggests that he wants to grow up to be like his father. This is a chilling film about cycles of moral vengeance.

Who’s in it. And Along Came a Spider stars Haleh Anvari as Narrator, Saeed Hanaei as Himself and Roya Karimi as Herself.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch And Along Came a Spider page.

If you liked it. Fans of And Along Came a Spider tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.